Orphaned triplet loses her parents and both sisters in horror Colombia earthquake: ‘They were inseparable from birth’

A TRIPLET has had her life ripped apart after losing both her twin sisters and parents in Colombia’s 7.4-magnitude earthquake. Ana María Saavedra, 23, was pulled alive from the rubble of her destroyed four-storey home in Cali, the worst-hit city. Pictured are Isabella, Ana Maria and Sofia Saavedra Credit: Jam Press Their parents Jairo Hernan Saavedra and Victoria Caicedo Credit: Jam Press A sturdy wooden table had saved her after hiding underneath it as the building came tumbling down. But her parents Jairo Hernán Saavedra, 63, and Victoria Caicedo, 61, were found dead in each other’s arms. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Sister Sofía died trapped under a ruined staircase, while the body of the third triplet, Isabella, was recovered late last night. Their uncle was also found dead in the ruins of the apartment block. So far Ana María is the only person found alive from the building. Ana Maria is the only survivor from her immediate family Credit: Jam Press The triplets were described as the best of friends since a very early age Credit: Jam Press Cousin Carlos Augusto Saavedra said about the rescue of Ana María: “The neighbours say they started to hear her cries and immediately came to her aid (…) and took her to the clinic. After suffering a fractured pelvis and multiple arm injuries, she had to undergo an operation. Doctors are hopeful and expect her to walk again within a few weeks. Her cousin added that “she is conscious, perfectly lucid, she speaks.” Most read in The Sun He described the three sisters as “very joyful” and “very happy” people who “loved spending time with their families, loved music, and adored salsa.” “They had records, organised parties with friends, and got together to listen to music,” he added. The sisters studied marketing together, spent a final university term in France and worked side by side. Friends described them as the best of friends. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing in Pereira, Colombia, on August 13, 2026 Credit: Getty Pictured is the rubble of several adjacent buildings in Pereira, Colombia, on August 13, 2026 Credit: Getty Their parents were known locally for their festive spirit, and as big fans of salsa, of which Cali is the world capital. More than 281 people have been killed – many in Cali and Pereira – and nearly 4,000 wounded in the earthquake, according to the latest official figures. The data indicated 379 people were still reported to be missing. But hopes of finding more survivors are fading after the disaster response surpassed the crucial first 72 hours. Volunteers searching for survivors in Pereira, Colombia (Photo by Alexis Munera/Anadolu via Getty Images) Credit: Getty A man carries a mattress as search and rescue operations are ongoing in Pereira, Colombia Credit: Getty David Tamayo, head of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, said late last night: “Unfortunately, we are reaching a point where the likelihood of finding survivors is dwindling, but our mission is to keep searching and find all those people who are reported missing.” This comes as a 4.2 magnitude aftershock struck San José del Palmar, in the Chocó region – the epicentre of the earthquake – yesterday. More than 160 aftershocks have rocked Colombia, according to the Geological Survey. “We’re pretty shaken up, but we’re in good spirits,” volunteer helper Jairo Galán said in Cali, where food and donation centres were set up. “We can see everyone working hard to get through this very complex situation.” Comment now